LeBron invites buddy Buffett to game

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LeBron James Jr. sits with his dad, Cleveland Cavaliers’ LeBron James (23) on the bench during a time out against the New York Knicks in the fourth quarter, in an NBA basketball game, Friday, March 23, 2007, in Cleveland. The Cavaliers won 90-68. (AP Photo/Tony Dejak)

LeBron James invited a buddy who has even more money than he does to watch him play. Billions and billions more.

Philanthropist and businessman Warren Buffett, wearing a black T-shirt with “Witness” glittering on the front, sat courtside as a guest of James on Sunday night for the Cleveland Cavaliers’ game against the Denver Nuggets.

Though an unlikely pair, Cleveland’s All-Star forward and Buffett are friends and mutual admirers. They first met a few months ago over a lunch of cheeseburgers in Omaha, Neb.

“He wanted a few tips on basketball and I wanted a little advice on money,” joked Buffett, estimated by Forbes Magazine to be worth $52 billion. “We switch. He tells me what socks to buy and I tell him what stocks to pick.”

Before tip-off, Buffett said he was eager to see his first NBA game in many years.

“I like basketball. I used to play when I was young — not very well,” said the 76-year-old Buffett, ranked by Forbes as the world’s second-richest man behind Bill Gates. “Of course in Nebraska, they tend to identify with football.”

Buffett said he has become a big fan of the 22-year-old James, who has built his own business portfolio. James signed a three-year, $60 million contract extension in July and already has endorsement deals worth an estimated $150 million.

“He’s terrific,” Buffett said. “I just want to be partners with him. He can probably buy the whole place.”

Following Cleveland’s 105-93 loss, James said he was happy to see Buffett.

“It was exciting that he came out, got out of his work clothes and put a “Witness” T-shirt on,” James said.

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